Sheriff’s Deputies Arrest Gang Members After Altercation at Righetti High School

Santa Maria - December 13th, 2007

A Santa Barbara Sheriff’s School Resource Deputy assigned to Righetti High School called for assistance to help with a group of students associated with the “Guada” gang, who were intimidating and fighting with other students. This group of gang members from Guadalupe has been involved in several altercations with other students, both on and off the Righetti High School Campus over the past several days.

Sheriff’s Deputies from the Santa Maria Sheriff’s Station arrived at the High School just before 12:00pm to quell any further altercations or problems during the lunch hour. Sheriff’s Deputies contacted this group of gang members in an area they were attempting to control by intimidation, taunting, and physical confrontations. As lunch was ending, Guada gang members were not allowing other students to pass, both physically and by intimidation.  

As Deputies contacted the group the gang members became confrontational with law enforcement and physically resisted. This altercation with Sheriff’s Deputies led to 4 gang members being arrested and booked into Juvenile Hall; 16 year old Hispanic male juvenile arrested for 243 c PC. (Felony) Battery on a peace officer and 148 a1 PC (Misdemeanor) Resisting / Delaying a Peace Officer, 16 year old Hispanic male juvenile arrested for 148 a1 PC (Misdemeanor) Resisting / Delaying a Peace Officer, 15 year old Hispanic male juvenile arrested for 148 a1 PC (Misdemeanor) Resisting / Delaying a Peace Officer, and 15 year old Hispanic male juvenile arrested for 243 b (Misdemeanor) Battery on a Peace Officer. All are students at Righetti High School and residents of Guadalupe. During this altercation one Deputy sustained injuries to his leg. 

As the altercation with Sheriff’s Deputies erupted, Righetti High School staff immediately placed the school in lock down at approximately 12:15pm, as per their emergency protocol. The school remained in the lock down phase as Sheriff’s Deputies with the assistance of the Santa Maria Police Department and CHP secured the immediate area and high school campus. School staff then systematically released students as the day progressed and the investigation continued.

Students, Parents and Staff can expect an increased level of Sheriff’s presence on the Righetti High School Campus and in the surrounding neighborhoods.

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